Helping people, pets and nonprofit organizations in Ontario through humane education, community programs and financial aid.

Travelling Closet

The Travelling Closet provides amazing photos of rescued pets to increase their chance of adoption. This program is currently open to our member shelters and rescues.

Interested in becoming the program coordinator for the Travelling Closet? Please send a resume and coverletter to info@secondhopecircle.org with “Travelling Closet Program Coordinator” in the subject line. You will be asked to fill out a volunteer application, those selected will be asked to do a phone or skype interview.

Volunteer photographers travel to animal organizations across Ontario to help them get cute photos of their adoptable pets. We provide costumes and props to assist in getting the perfect photo! Photo Volunteers are happy to work with shelter staff, foster parents and volunteers to teach them tips and tricks to taking great photos of animals.

FAQs about the Travelling Closet Program

Why is this program important?

Taking a good photo of an adoptable pet is more important than ever in helping them find the perfect home. Many people search online for their future pet and a photo can say a lot! Luckily a lot of photographers volunteer their time to take great photos of pets, and many organizations also have access to digital cameras and enthusiastic volunteers.

How can I volunteer?

Fill out the form and submit your application. We are currently accepting volunteer drivers, photographers and costume/prop makers! To expedite the process of application approval, please send along some photos of your work if you are applying for photography. (Please note that we do not supply cameras or transportation at this time).

I’m with an organization that would love to access this program!

That’s awesome, we would love to help!

Fill out the form to apply for a volunteer photographer to be matched to your organization.

Do you collect donations?

Yes! We welcome donations of pet costumes and props as well as monetary donations (or gas cards) to assist with transportation and shipping costs. Use the contact page to get in touch or use our paypal link to donate.

Does this program actually make a difference?

Taking good photos of animals can be a useful tool in helping them find homes. While we want people to select a pet for adoption based on their personality and compatibility, many people initially search online through photos of adoptable pets. Those photos are a chance to make a great first impression. Our program helps organizations get these great first impressions for their adoptable pets!

Let’s take a look at an example of a bad photograph vs one that shows off the adoptable pet!

In this photo, Cleo isn’t shown in the best light (literally)! The sun is washing out her fur and she looks a bit grumpy. It’s hard to tell how pretty her eyes are.

Take a look at Cleo now! He eyes are a gorgeous green and her fur is glossy black. Her eyes are open and trusting and she looks a lot more friendly. Cleo was fostered for a rescue by Second Hope Circle’s project director. An awesome home was found and Cleo has now been adopted!

These photos were taken on the same day, near the same chair within 5 minutes of each other. Knowing how to use natural light, pet behaviour and minimal photo editing can make a huge difference!

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Your money will go to wherever we need it most! Support pet guardians with emergency funds so that they can keep their pets. Provide event fees to promote our programs and fundraise. Cover gas costs so we can bring our programs where they’re needed. Provide administrative fees so we can keep doing what we do best. Fund research costs so we can find out what people and pets in Ontario need most!